Financial Analyst - 522134

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $53,500 - Midpoint: $66,900 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hyrbid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Financial assumes the role of a financial business partner, complementing the operations by providing vital support for strategic and tactical decision-making through comprehensive financial analysis. Collaborating with multiple members of management, the Financial Analyst aids in the development, interpretation, and implementation of financial modeling concepts and techniques pertaining to strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting, ultimately supporting business operations.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of The University of Alabama’s five research institutes. AWI serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s various colleges, uniting engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and more to tackle the pressing water challenges faced by Alabama and the world. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, biodiversity, watershed management and human health through synergies with AWI research programs, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.
The Financial Analyst will respond to ad-hoc requests from multiple divisions with efficiency and analytical understanding of data being presented. Development of financial monitoring and tracking tools such as Smartsheet dashboards and Excel reports and documents to demonstrate an understanding of program financials. Prepare and publish monthly financial results reporting, including comprehensive figures, graphs, and insightful commentary. Conduct monthly financial statement scenario forecasting, providing detailed figures, graphs, and meaningful commentary. Analyze continuous improvement of budgeting/forecasting methodologies, with a focus on automating processes and enhancing agility. Supports analysis with comments on various to budget, forecast, and prior year performance. The successful candidate will produce recurring deliverables such as: budget execution and monitoring reports, financial analysis, status briefings, resource planning documents, and updated expenditure dashboards.
Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case-by-case basis, remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a Flexible Work Agreement, per UA policy.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, economics, or related financial field and two (2) years of experience as a Financial Analyst, general accountant, or comparable experience in a finance function; OR Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA); OR Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Strong analytical background in gathering and interpreting complex amounts of data and excellent communication skills.

Skills and Knowledge: Ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to stakeholders.Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial analysis. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., Banner), MS Office Suite and Smartsheet’s.
MA/MS/MBA degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Mathematics or Operational Research.
Experience in higher education/research environment and five (5) years of experience preferred.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster